Langton’s Classification sees a seismic shift coming in Australian fine wine

For decades, the prestigious Langton’s Classification has reflected the evolution of the Australian fine wine market. Not only has it served as a form guide for connoisseurs, but it has also predicted and recorded how demand ebbs and flows at auction. And for the eighth edition of the rankings, the results indicate drastic changes in consumer preferences, particularly in regional production.

Elegance and distinction have become an emerging trend among collectors and producers now, as noted by Langton’s Classification. With Australia’s wine scene integrating itself in a more international context, its newer wines have ascended to the top.

“This year’s edition represents a seismic shift in the purchasing, drinking and investing habits of Australia’s top fine wine buyers,” Head of Auctions and Secondary Market Michael Anderson says of the latest rankings. “Over the past five years, we can see a movement away from the hedonistic, full-bodied reds, with a shift towards lighter styles and a sprinkling of top tier, vibrant whites, too.”

There are 19 new wines in the rankings. Among them are The Relic Shiraz Viognier and The Schubert Theorem Shiraz of The Standish Wine Company, Hoffmann Dallwitz and Little Wine Shiraz of Sami-Odi, Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of Tolpuddle, and Quartz Chardonnay of Bindi.

In the past, richly robed reds of warmer climate parts of South Australia were the most sought-after wines in the market. The interest has now moved toward lighter styles from cool climate regions in the southeast, including Pinot Noir from Bindi and Bass Phillip. Chardonnays from Macedon, Gippsland, Tasmania and beyond seem to have had an increased trading presence, as well.

The new Classification comprises a total of 100 wines across 60 wineries. South Australia continues to be the benchmark for the classification with 48 wines to its name. This number is largely attributed to the continued popularity of Barossa wines. It is followed by Victoria with 27 and Western Australia with 11. New South Wales and Tasmania, on the other hand, have nine and four wines in the rankings, respectively.

To make it into Langton’s Classification, each wine is required to have released at least ten vintages. They must also have a strong track record in the secondary market. Such is the case with more recognisable stalwarts like Penfolds Grange, Henschke Hill of Grace, Wendouree Shiraz, Rockford Basket Press Shiraz, and Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay. Each embodies the pinnacle of Australian fine wine with demand for blue-chip wines.

Those that have been deemed “Classified” serve as a barometer of their demand and performance in the secondary market. Meanwhile, a designation of “1st Classified” is reserved for Australia’s finest offerings, serving as a homage to the Premier Cru (First Growth) wines that sit atop the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.

To honour the ascendance of Australian fine wine, Langton’s Classification will be hosting a multi-state series of masterclasses in May 2024. Visit Langton’s Classification for more information.

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